Śākyamuni ("Sage of the Śākyas") was a spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha of our age. "Buddha" means "awakened one" or "the enlightened one."

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"If he will but listen intently to everyday sounds, he will come to realization and at that instant see the very Source. These six senses are no different from this true Source. In every activity the Source is manifestly present. It is analogous to the salt in water or the binder in paint. When the inner vision is properly focused, one comes to realize that that which is seen is identical with the true Source."

Any world is an illusion. Even the world we think we have now is not possible - how can it then be said to be real? In Truth, no particular world can exist. In Truth, any world would be unreal.

Truth is the only reality and is beyond words. Truth is not just possible, but is real. It is here already - where else could It be? 'Here' is infinite and is now. 'Now' is eternal and is here. - However, neither space nor time can be said to exist or not to exist. Truth essentially is beyond them both and is unborn and imperishable.

Although Truth requires no work, some of us may want to work hard to see this clearly. Looking inward, we will have to do this solitary work ourselves.

Time is precious. But in the end, neither time nor effort are real and there is nothing whatever that we lack. - We are that which we seek. ~ The Editor

Love and Strife: Don't Spill A Drop

Listen now to a further point: no mortal thing
Has a beginning, nor does it end in death and obliteration;
There is only a mixing and then a separating of what was mixed,
But by mortal men these processes are named 'beginnings.'
~ Empedocles

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"Dream delivers us to dream, and there is no end to illusion. Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them they prove to be many-coloured lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its focus."
~ R.W. Emerson

Zen teachings of Master Lin-Chi

04/07/10

Master Lin Chi
(Died 867)

Those of you who wish to discipline themselves in the Buddha's Dharma must seek true understanding. When this understanding is attained you will not be defiled by birth and death. Whether walking or standing still, you will be your own master. Even when you are not trying to achieve something extraordinary, it will come to you all by itself.

O Followers of the Way, from olden times each of my predecessors had his own way of training his disciples. As to my way of leading people: all that they need is not to be deluded by others. (Be independent) and go on your way whenever you desire: have no hesitancy.

Do you know where the disease lies which keeps you learners from reaching (true understanding? It lies where you have no faith in your Self. When faith in your Self is lacking you find yourself hurried by others in every possible way. At every encounter you are no longer your master: you are driven about by others this way or that.

All that is required is all at once to cease leaving your Self in search of something external. When this is done you will find your Self no different from the Buddha or the patriarch. Do you want to know who the Buddha or patriarch is? He is no other than the one who is, at this moment, right in front of me, listening to my talk on the Dharma. You have no faith in him and therefore you are in quest of someone else somewhere outside. And what will you find? Nothing but words and names, however excellent. You will never reach the moving spirit in the Buddha or patriarch.